Where is Christmas?

Could someone tell me? Because I really want to know. It seems as though the reason for the season just isn't the same anymore. Everywhere I turn, the only thing I hear is about how retailers need people to spend a ton of money this year, or I'm hearing someone say how much they hate Christmas. What happened?

When I was a kid, I couldn't wait for December. There was always something to do. And don't get me started on Christmas morning. The day of all days. No matter how many bad things had happened during the year, Christmas always washed them away, at least for a while.

This year, stores had their decorations up the day after Halloween. We weren't even allowed to enjoy Thanksgiving. Then, of course, the day after Thanksgiving, they all opened up at 4am. One local mall in the DFW area even had a "get ready to shop" parking lot party at 1am. Seriously?! Really?! How much more pathetic can people get? Did you really need to get up that early, just to save a few bucks? Did you really need to ignore the holiday, just so you could be the first in line to get the new "Tickle Me" whatever? I'm guessing no.

Talked to a guy the other day who said he hates Christmas music. How is that possible? Has he forgotten how much he liked it as a kid? It gives you a sense of family. It gives you a sense of comfort. Why would someone not want that? I will say this, however. When the season started, I was listening to Christmas music because I loved it. Now, I'm listening to it so I won't be so damned depressed, after dealing with all the hassles that have seemed to come with the holiday.

And what happened to people wanting to get together and enjoy the season? I've spent every Christmas alone for the past six years. No heading out to go look at the lights. No trips to Six Flags for Holiday In The Park. No attending Christmas concerts, or The Nutcracker. None of that. I don't want to hate Christmas, but the world around me makes it damned hard not to.

But I refuse to give up. If I have to drive around DFW by myself, with "Let It Snow" cranked up, and a flask of Crown between my legs, looking at the lights, so be it. If I have to look like a complete loser during the intermission at The Nutcracker, standing in a corner by myself, I'll do it. If I have nobody to talk to, as I walk around Six Flags, that's what I'll do.

So to all of you who want to give up on Christmas, knock yourselves out. I'm not gonna do it. Because somewhere, out there, someone else is enjoying it, too. And I guess that will have to be good enough for me.